Welcome! Chances are that if you found this page, it’s because you’re curious about adult orthodontics. But, you likely have a few questions. Rest easy. Delplanche Orthodontics has two locations to serve both the Beaverton and Lake Oswego communities. And in this article, we’re going to cover a few frequently asked questions about adult orthodontics.
Question 1: Can Orthodontics Help Adults?
It’s never too late to give yourself the smile that you deserve. Orthodontic technology has expanded treatment options beyond what they used to be. Adult clients now have access to many different choices than in previous generations of orthodontics. Some current appliances are nearly invisible to the naked eye. So yes, orthodontics can absolutely help adults, and if you are curious if you are a candidate for treatment, there is no need for a referral at Delplanche Orthodontics.
Question 2: How Can Orthodontics Help?
Overall, proper brushing and flossing contribute to oral health. But they aren’t magic. If teeth are out of alignment, brushing and flossing may not be able to completely fix the problem. Misshapen teeth create pockets in which plaque festers. If left untreated, excess plaque can lead to sore or bleeding gums, pain in the jaw, and headaches.
But physical ailments don’t stop with oral hygiene. Especially later in life, irregularly shaped teeth can complicate our ability to chew food. This means that a task as simple as eating has now become a choking hazard. And what’s worse, swallowing unchewed food can cause severe abdominal discomfort.
For adults, orthodontic interventions aren’t just about fixing teeth. They’re about improving your quality of life.
Question 3: How Much Will It Cost?
Orthodontic treatment is an investment towards your dental health as well as creating your ideal smile. Typically for an adult patient who needs comprehensive orthodontic treatment, the fee for treatment at Delplanche Orthodontics can range from $5000-$7000. We are happy to work with you to create a monthly payment plan that fits within your budget, and oftentimes monthly payments can be as little as $200 per month, depending on insurance. If your treatment can be completed in a more limited approach, or if your orthodontia needs are more complex, the fee could likely be less or more. Of course, this depends on your individual treatment plan, and we are happy to provide a more accurate estimate for you, all it takes is scheduling a complimentary exam!
If you have dental insurance with an orthodontic benefit, this can be utilized towards the cost for treatment, but rarely does dental insurance cover the entire treatment cost. We are happy to help you with your insurance and explain to you how this benefit would apply in our office. If you do not have insurance, you can still be a patient at Delplanche Orthodontics since insurance is not required. We do offer discounts for payment in full, for those with multiple family members in treatment, as well as the convenience of automatic payments from your bank account or credit card. At Delplanche Orthodontics, we work hard to make sure financials do not get in the way of your perfect smile!
Question 4: What Are The Options?
Delplanche Orthodontics offers a few different alternatives for adults. Dr. Delplanche will be able to go over your individual options in detail at your complimentary exam.
Invisalign
What if you had appliances that fit within your busy lifestyle and that you could remove whenever you wanted (within the doctors’ guidance, of course)? Our team uses clear, lightweight plastic aligners by Invisalign®. They offer the wearer much more comfort and convenience than conventional braces. In general, you’ll wear your aligner for 9-15 months and will use between 18 – 30 sets. We recommend keeping the aligner on for 22 hours a day and taking them out for eating, drinking and brushing.
Ceramic Braces
You may also hear clear braces referred to as ceramic, tooth-colored, or aesthetic. This is because they are designed to blend in with the teeth. Clear braces empower you to continue your daily routine without fretting about your appearance. They are more discreet and less obvious than metal braces.
Metal Braces
This is the image most people have when they think of “braces.” They’ve earned something of a stigma over the years, but Delplanche Orthodontics intends to change that. Modern metal braces have lighter wires and sleeker brackets. For you, this means less pain and irritation. Our braces are compact and comfortable. A major advantage of metal braces is that they can potentially shorten the duration of your treatment.
What If I Have More Questions?
Still have questions? No worries. Read our in-depth adult orthodontics FAQ here. Go here to schedule a free consultation.